Initiating Schedule Management Via Radio Frequency Beacons

ABSTRACT

A portable electronic device receives broadcasts from one or more RF beacons to determine a location of a user and communicates with a scheduling server to manage the schedule of a conference room. The portable electronic device receives an address and an application identifier from each RF beacon and opens a scheduling application in response. The portable electronic device then communicates with a scheduling server to receive the schedule of the location determined from the beacon broadcasts. The user may reserve the location and set a number of presets through the scheduling application. Updates to the schedule are communicated to the scheduling server from the portable electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to control networks and more specificallyto control networks leveraging RF communication standards such as nearfield communication standards and Bluetooth 4.0 standards.

2. Background Art

In large corporate buildings or similar facilities, there may behundreds or even thousands of conference rooms of various types. It maybecome burdensome to find and book a room with appropriate availabilityand resources. Currently, buildings may have dedicated touchpanels whichprovide local access to a scheduling server. For example, outside of aconference room, a TPMC-4SM touchpanel available from CrestronElectronics, Inc. of Rockleigh, N.J. may provide local access to aserver running scheduling software such as Fusion RV, also availablefrom Crestron Electronics, Inc.

However, these dedicated touchpanels may be too robust an option forcertain conference rooms. Often touchpanels require expensiveinstallation and sophisticated processors and users may not desire toinstall a dedicated access point at each conference or they may notdesire to install a dedicated access point with such options at eachconference room. Users desire an alternative method for accessing ascheduling server to monitor and control rooms.

In addition to conference rooms, corporate facilities are increasinglypresenting hoteling options to their employees. Increasingly employeesare working from remote locations, either due to personal preference orjob requirements. Corporate facilities may provide work stations incorporate offices to be booked for temporary periods of time by visitinghoteling employees. Hoteling employees may wish to view the status of aworkstation or to book a workstation. However, it may be impractical toinstall touchpanels at each of these workstations. Users desire a lowcost means for employees to view and manage the schedules of one or moreworkstations in a facility.

The ever-expanding reach of smart portable devices has recently extendedto building automation. Smart phones and tablets are increasinglyproviding convenient and varied control options for residential andcommercial buildings. While the introduction of smart portable devicesto home automation has had a noticeable positive impact, existingsystems do not fully leverage the capabilities of current generationsmart phones and tablets. One such capability is short rangecommunication technologies such as near field communication (NFC) orBluetooth 4.0.

NFC is a set of standards for short-range wireless communicationtechnology that employs magnetic field induction to enable communicationbetween electronic devices in close proximity. The technology allows anNFC-enabled device to communicate with another NFC-enabled device or toretrieve information from an NFC tag. This enables users to performintuitive, safe, contactless transactions, access digital content andconnect electronic devices simply by touching or bringing devices intoclose proximity.

NFC operates in the standard unlicensed 13.56 MHz frequency band over arange of around 2-4 cm and offers data rates in the range of at least106 kbits/s to 424 kbit/s. NFC standards cover communication protocolsand data exchange formats and are based on existing radio frequencyidentification (RFID) standards. The standards include ISO/IEC 18092 andthose defined by the NFC Forum, a non-profit industry organization whichpromotes NFC and certifies device compliance

There are two modes of operation covered by the NFC standards: activeand passive. In active mode, both communicating devices are capable oftransmitting data. Each device generates alternately generates anddeactivates their own electromagnetic field to transmit and receivedata.

In passive mode, only one device, the initiator devices, generates aelectromagnetic field, while the target device, typically an NFC tag,modulates the electromagnetic field to transfer data. The NFC protocolspecifies that the initiating device is responsible for generating theelectromagnetic field. In this mode, the target device may draw itsoperating power from the initiator-provided electromagnetic field.

Bluetooth is a set of specifications for common short range wirelessapplications. They are written, tested & maintained by the BluetoothSIG. Bluetooth 4.0 is the most recent version of Bluetooth wirelesstechnology. Bluetooth 4.0 introduced low energy technology to theBluetooth Core Specification, enabling devices that can operate formonths or even years on coin-cell batteries.

Bluetooth 4.0 operates in the same spectrum range (2402-2480 MHz) asprevious Bluetooth technology, but uses a different set of channels.Instead of Bluetooth technology's seventy-nine 1 MHz wide channels,Bluetooth 4.0 has forty 2 MHz wide channels. Additionally, Bluetooth lowenergy technology uses a different frequency hopping scheme than priorBluetooth technology. These improvements make Bluetooth 4.0 ideallysuited for discrete data transfer as opposed to streaming as in previousBluetooth technologies.

There is now a need to fully leverage the short range communicationcapabilities of smart portable devices, such as smart phones andtablets, to provide more robust scheduling systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the general and detailed descriptionsthat follow are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the invention.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Principles of the invention include devices, systems and methods formanaging the schedule of one or more locations. According to a firstaspect, the present invention provides a system for accessing a scheduleof an area comprising one or more RF beacons periodically broadcastingan application identifier and a beacon ID and a portable electronicdevice. The portable electronic device is identified by a user ID andcomprises a first network interface configured for enablingcommunication between the portable electronic device and the one or moreRF beacons, a second network interface configured for enablingcommunication between the portable electronic device and a schedulingserver, a display, a memory encoding one or more processor-executableinstructions and a processor configured to load the one or moreprocessor-executable instructions when encoded from the memory. The oneor more processor-executable instructions, when executed by theprocessor, cause acts to be performed comprising receiving from at leastone of the one or more RF beacons a beacon ID and the applicationidentifier via the first network interface of the portable electronicdevice, opening a scheduling application associated with the applicationidentifier, estimating a distance to the at least one of the one or moreRF beacons according to a detected signal strength of the RF beacon,determining a location of the portable electronic device based on thedistance to the at least one of the one or more RF beacons, receivingfrom a scheduling server, a schedule of the location of the portableelectronic device and displaying the schedule of the location on thedisplay.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a systemfor accessing a schedule of an area comprising one or more RF beaconsperiodically broadcasting an application identifier and a beacon ID anda portable electronic device. The portable electronic device isidentified by a user ID and comprises a first network interfaceconfigured for enabling communication between the portable electronicdevice and the one or more RF beacons, a second network interfaceconfigured for enabling communication between the portable electronicdevice and a scheduling server, a display, a memory encoding one or moreprocessor-executable instructions and a processor configured to load theone or more processor-executable instructions when encoded from thememory. The one or more processor-executable instructions, when executedby the processor, cause acts to be performed comprising receiving fromat least three of the three or more RF beacons, the beacon ID of each ofthe at least three RF beacons and the application identifier via thefirst network interface of the portable electronic device, opening ascheduling application associated with the application identifier,estimating a first distance, a second distance and a third distance tothree of the three or more RF beacons according to a detected signalstrength of the RF beacon, determining a location of the portableelectronic device based on the first distance, second distance and thirddistance via trilateration, receiving from a scheduling server aschedule of the location associated with the location of the portableelectronic device, displaying the schedule on the display as one or moreselectable time periods and wherein each of the time periods comprises astatus indicator, receiving an input selecting one or more of theselectable time periods, displaying a menu comprising one or moreselectable operational icons, receiving an input selecting one of theone or more selectable operational icons and sending at least onecommand to control a preset resource in response to receiving the inputselecting one of the one or more selectable operational icons.

According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method formanaging a schedule of an area. The method includes the steps ofproviding one or more RF beacons, each of the one or more RF beaconsconfigured for periodically broadcasting an application identifier and abeacon ID, receiving at a portable electronic device from each of one ormore RF beacons a beacon ID and an application identifier via a firstnetwork interface of the portable electronic device, opening ascheduling application associated with the application identifier on theportable electronic device, estimating a distance to the at least one ofthe one or more RF beacons according to a detected signal strength ofthe RF beacon, determining a location of the portable electronic devicebased on the distance to the at least one of the one or more RF beacons,establishing communication with a scheduling server storing the scheduleof the location, transmitting the location and a user ID of the portableelectronic device to the scheduling server, receiving from a schedulingserver the schedule of the location and displaying on the display theschedule of the location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures further illustrate the present invention.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof the present invention. In the drawings, like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for managing a conference room schedule inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a near field communication tag employed inthe system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a plurality of softwareengines and data storage areas for a scheduling application inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting a main screen page 500 of thescheduling application for a system of managing a conference roomschedule, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting a preferences page of thescheduling application for a system of managing a conference roomschedule, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting a schedule page of thescheduling application for a system of managing a conference roomschedule, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram depicting an information pop-up screen ofthe scheduling application for non-meeting organizers, in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting an information pop-up screen ofthe scheduling application for meeting organizers, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram depicting general information schedulingtab of the scheduling application, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram depicting a presets tab of the schedulingapplication for a discussion, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram depicting a presets tab of the schedulingapplication for a presentation, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram depicting a presets tab of the schedulingapplication for an audio call, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram depicting a presets tab of the schedulingapplication for a video call, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram depicting a presets tab of the schedulingapplication for an audio and video call, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram depicting a people tab of the schedulingapplication, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing steps for performing a method ofaccessing a conference room schedule, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system for managing aconference room schedule via communication with an RF beacon, inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic of a facility with a plurality of rooms, eachcomprising an RF beacon, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing steps for performing a method managing aconference room schedule via communication with an RF beacon, accordingto an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing steps for performing a method formanaging a conference room schedule via communication with an RF beacon,according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22A is a portion of a flowchart showing steps for performing amethod of accessing a conference room schedule, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22B is a portion of flowchart showing steps for performing a methodof accessing a conference room schedule, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23A is a portion of a flowchart showing steps for performing amethod of accessing a conference room schedule, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23B is a portion of a flowchart showing steps for performing amethod of accessing a conference room schedule, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS FOR THE MAJOR ELEMENTS IN THE DRAWING

The following is a list of the major elements in the drawings innumerical order.

-   -   11 near field communication (NFC) tag    -   13 portable electronic device    -   15 scheduling server    -   18 radio frequency (RF) beacon (collectively the RF beacons of        18 a . . . 18 n)    -   20 scheduling application    -   40 AV control processor    -   100 system    -   101 conference room    -   102 conference room device    -   103 command    -   104 communication network    -   105 preset resources    -   106 preset parameter    -   107 preset information    -   108 conference type    -   111 NFC communication channel    -   113 application identifier    -   115 area address    -   131 central processing unit    -   132 main memory    -   133 nonvolatile storage    -   134 display    -   135 user interface    -   136 location sensing circuitry    -   137 wired i/o interface    -   138 network interface    -   138 a personal area network interface    -   138 b local area network interface    -   138 c wide area network interface    -   139 near field communication interface    -   140 camera    -   141 accelerometers    -   181 first distance    -   182 second distance    -   183 third distance    -   185 beacon ID    -   202 availability data storage area    -   204 resource data storage area    -   206 presentation engine    -   208 user registration engine    -   210 preset association engine    -   212 availability data engine    -   214 user preference engine    -   216 access engine    -   218 user preference data storage area    -   220 access data storage area    -   401 telephone    -   402 projector    -   403 projector screen    -   404 television    -   405 computer    -   406 audio system devices    -   407 DVD/DVR    -   408 CD player    -   409 camera    -   410 VCR    -   411 touchpanel    -   412 presentation capture device    -   413 lighting system device    -   414 blinds/shades    -   415 HVAC device    -   416 security device    -   417 sensor device    -   500 main screen page    -   501 preferences icon    -   502 access room icon    -   503 search icon    -   600 preferences page    -   601 lighting level preference menu    -   602 HVAC preference menu    -   603 email notification preference menu    -   700 schedule page    -   701 schedule    -   702 add meeting button    -   703 main menu button    -   704 meeting icon    -   705 vacant icon    -   800 information pop-up screen    -   801 room information    -   802 time information    -   803 organizer information    -   804 subject information    -   805 attendee information    -   901 start meeting selectable icon    -   902 stop meeting selectable icon    -   903 start record selectable icon    -   904 pause record selectable icon    -   905 stop record selectable icon    -   1000 scheduling sub-menu    -   1001 general information tab    -   1002 subject    -   1003 location    -   1004 date    -   1005 start time    -   1006 end time    -   1007 recurrence    -   1100 presets tab    -   1101 meeting type    -   1102 discussion    -   1103 presentation    -   1104 audio call    -   1105 video call    -   1106 audio and video call    -   1107 welcome message    -   1108 image source    -   1201 shared document    -   1301 phone number    -   1302 pass code    -   1401 video code    -   1600 people tab    -   1601 required users    -   1602 optional users    -   1701 (step of) positioning portable electronic device within        range of NFC tag    -   1702 (step of) reading information on NFC tag    -   1703 (step of) loading scheduling application according to        application identifier    -   1704 (step of) communicating with scheduling server according to        URL    -   1705 (step of) displaying calendar for conference room    -   1706 (step of) receiving one or more inputs for reserving        conference room    -   1707 (step of) displaying one or more preset parameters    -   1708 (step of) receiving preset information detailing a meeting    -   2201 (step of) positioning portable electronic device within        range of NFC tag    -   2202 (step of) reading information on NFC tag    -   2203 (step of) loading scheduling application according to        application identifier    -   2204 (step of) communicating with scheduling server according to        URL    -   2205 (step of) checking access of user ID associated with        scheduling application    -   2206 (step of) displaying error page    -   2207 (step of) displaying view only schedule    -   2208 (step of) displaying schedule for conference room with        selectable icons    -   2209 (step of) receiving input selecting a meeting    -   2210 (step of) displaying pop-up menu with information    -   2211 (step of) displaying one or more selectable icons for        starting and stopping meeting    -   2212 (step of) receiving selection of start icon    -   2213 (step of) transmitting one or more control commands in        response to reception    -   2214 (step of) receiving selection of stop icon    -   2215 (step of) transmitting one or more control commands in        response to reception    -   2216 (step of) displaying one or more selectable icons for        starting and stopping recording    -   2217 (step of) receiving selection of start record icon    -   2218 (step of) transmitting one or more control commands in        response to reception    -   2219 (step of) receiving selection of stop record icon    -   2220 (step of) transmitting one or more control commands in        response to reception    -   2301 (step of) positioning portable electronic device within        range of RF beacon    -   2302 (step of) receiving information from RF beacon    -   2303 (step of) loading scheduling application according to        application identifier    -   2304 (step of) estimating distance to RF beacon    -   2305 (step of) determining location    -   2306 (step of) communicating with scheduling server according to        URL    -   2307 (step of) checking access of user ID associated with        scheduling application    -   2308 (step of) displaying error page    -   2309 (step of) displaying view only schedule    -   2310 (step of) displaying schedule for conference room with        selectable icons    -   2311 (step of) receiving input selecting a meeting    -   2312 (step of) displaying pop-up menu with information    -   2313 (step of) displaying one or more selectable icons for        starting and stopping meeting    -   2314 (step of) receiving selection of start icon    -   2315 (step of) transmitting one or more control commands in        response to reception    -   2316 (step of) receiving selection of stop icon    -   2217 (step of) transmitting one or more control commands in        response to reception    -   2218 (step of) displaying one or more selectable icons for        starting and stopping recording    -   2219 (step of) receiving selection of start record icon    -   2220 (step of) transmitting one or more control commands in        response to reception    -   2221 (step of) receiving selection of stop record icon    -   2222 (step of) transmitting one or more control commands in        response to reception

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system for leveraging short rangecommunication technologies such as near field communications andBluetooth 4.0 to manage the schedule of one or more areas in a facility,such as conference rooms in a corporate facility. A portable electronicdevice, such as a smart phone, communicates with an identification unit,such as NFC tag or one or more RF beacons, located in or near aconference room. The portable electronic device may read an applicationidentifier and a room address or area address from the identificationunit. The room address may be a uniform resource locator (URL) for ascheduling server. The application identifier identifies a schedulingapplication to open on the portable electronic device. The schedulingapplication then employs the URL to communicate with the schedulingserver. Upon accessing the scheduling server, the user may manage theconference room schedule by viewing the schedule for the conferenceroom, reserving the conference room for a period of time, reservingresources, preconfiguring room and resource settings, starting ameeting, ending a meeting, sharing documentation and viewing resourcesfor the conference room among other things.

While the current invention is described as being implemented formanaging the schedule of one or more conference rooms in a commercialfacility it is not limited to such an implementation. The presentinvention may be employed to reserve any area or asset in which a commonschedule is maintained. For example, one or more assets or areas in acommercial, residential, retail, or non-profit structure. For example,the present invention may be used to manage the schedule of aworkstation for a hoteling employee.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a system for managing aconference room schedule in accordance with an illustrative embodimentof the present invention. It should be noted that the exemplaryembodiment of system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be varied in one ormore aspects without departing from the spirit and scope of theteachings disclosed herein.

The system 100 includes a portable electronic device 13. The portableelectronic device 13 may be a smart phone, tablet, remote control,personal digital assistant or any other electronic device configured forstoring a scheduling application 20 and communicating with otherelectronic devices via RF communication protocols. As will be furtherexplained below, the portable electronic device 13 is configured toreceive information via the identification unit, such as an NFC tag 11,communicate with a scheduling server 15 and send at least one command103 to control preset resources 105 once a conference room 101 with thepreset resources 105 is reserved.

The portable electronic device is associated with a user ID. The user IDmay be a characteristic of the device itself or assigned to the device,such as a manufacturer ID or a network address, which is associated witha user. Alternatively, the user ID may be an ID associated with anaccount of the user. For example, the user may register a user ID with ascheduling application on the portable electronic device.

For example, the portable electronic device 13 may be a smart phonerunning a scheduling application 20 available from Crestron Electronics,Inc. The scheduling application 20 may be downloaded and stored in theportable electronic device 13 from an application marketplace such asthe Google Play marketplace, the iTunes® application marketplace orother similar marketplace.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting the portable electronic device 13,in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Theportable electronic device 13 may include at least one centralprocessing unit (CPU) 131. For example, the CPU 131 may represent one ormore microprocessors, and the microprocessors may be “general purpose”microprocessors, a combination of general and special purposemicroprocessors, or application specific integrated circuits (ASICs).Additionally or alternatively, the CPU 131 may include one or morereduced instruction set (RISC) processors, video processors, or relatedchip sets. The CPU 131 may provide processing capability to execute anoperating system, run various applications, and/or provide processingfor one or more of the techniques described herein. Applications thatmay run on the portable electronic device 13 may include, for examplesoftware for managing a calendar and software for controlling otherelectronic devices via a control network.

A main memory 132 may be communicably coupled to the CPU 131, which maystore data and executable code. The main memory 132 may representvolatile memory such as RAM, but may also include nonvolatile memory,such as read-only memory (ROM) or Flash memory. In buffering or cachingdata related to operations of the CPU 131, the main memory 132 may storedata associated with applications running on the portable electronicdevice 13.

The portable electronic device 13 may also include nonvolatile storage133. The nonvolatile storage 133 may represent any suitable nonvolatilestorage medium, such as a hard disk drive or nonvolatile memory, such asFlash memory. Being well-suited to long-term storage, the nonvolatilestorage 133 may store data files such as media (e.g., music and videofiles), software (e.g., for implementing functions on the portableelectronic device 13), preference information (e.g., room and resourcepreset preferences), wireless connection information (e.g., informationthat may enable media device to establish a wireless connection such asa control network connection) and identity information (information toidentify a user) and access information (information that may enable anindividual to access restricted areas).

It should be appreciated that data associated with maintaining,scheduling and initiating a conference schedule may be saved in thenonvolatile storage. Non-volatile storage includes one or more softwareengines operable to enable the maintenance, management, scheduling,initiating, publication, presentation, provision and/or other datamanipulation capability of resource availability and reservationinformation as well as perform other operations. Depending uponimplementation, various aspects of teachings of the present inventionmay be implemented in a single software engine, in a plurality ofsoftware engines, in one or more hardwired components or in acombination of hardwired and software systems.

In addition to one or more software engines, non-volatile storage alsoincludes one or more data storage areas. Data storage area is operablyassociated with the main memory and CPU 131. Data storage area ofnon-volatile storage may be leveraged to maintain data concerning theavailability of one or more conference rooms or resources maintained forreservation, descriptive information concerning the one or moreresources maintained for reservation, preset information, presetparameters, shared documentation, as well as other information pertinentto the management, maintenance, scheduling, initiating, publication,presentation and/or provision of resource availability and reservationinformation. Data storage area, or portions thereof, may also beutilized to store myriad other data.

Depending upon implementation, non-volatile storage may be implementedwithin a portable electronic device 13, in a storage area networkoperably coupled to a portable electronic device 13, and/or in otherstorage media, including removable media, compatible with and accessibleby portable electronic device 13. In one embodiment, the one or moresoftware engines and data storage areas cooperate in the management ofthe one or more conference room schedules, according to teachings of thepresent invention.

A display 134 may display images and data for the portable electronicdevice 13. It should be appreciated that only certain embodiments mayinclude the display 134. The display 134 may be any suitable display134, such as liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED)based display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) based display, acathode ray tube (CRT) display, or an analog or digital television. Insome embodiments, the display 134 may function as a touch screen throughwhich a user may interact with the portable electronic device 13.

The portable electronic device 13 may further include a user interface135. The user interface 135 may represent indicator lights and userinput structures, but may also include a graphical user interface (GUI)on the display 134. In practice, the user interface 135 may operate viathe CPU 131, using memory from the main memory and long-term storage inthe nonvolatile storage. In an embodiment lacking the display 134,indicator lights, sound devices, buttons, and other various input/output(I/O) devices may allow a user to interface with the portable electronicdevice 13. In an embodiment having a GUI, the user interface 135 mayprovide interaction with interface elements on the display 134 viacertain user input structures, user input peripherals such as a keyboardor mouse, or a touch sensitive implementation of the display 134. Theuser may interact with the graphic user interface via touch means on atouch screen, input means via one or more keyboard buttons, mousebuttons etc, or voice instructions.

As should be appreciated, one or more applications may be open andaccessible to a user via the user interface 135 and displayed on thedisplay 134 of the portable electronic device 13. The applications mayrun on the CPU 131 in conjunction with the main memory 132, thenonvolatile storage 133, the display 134, and the user interface 135.The applications may run on the CPU 131 in conjunction with the mainmemory, the nonvolatile storage, the display, and the user interface. Aswill be discussed below, instructions stored in the main memory, thenonvolatile storage, or the CPU 131 of the portable electronic device 13may enable a user to access and manage a schedule for a building. Forexample, a user may view and manipulate one or more schedules for abuilding or search for an available conference room based on resourcesand availability. As such, it should be appreciated that theinstructions for carrying out such techniques on the portable electronicdevice 13 may represent a standalone application, a function of theoperating system of the portable electronic device 13, or a function ofthe hardware of the CPU 131, the main memory, the nonvolatile storage,or other hardware of the portable electronic device 13.

One such application that may be open and accessible to the user is ascheduling application 20 for enabling access to a scheduling server 15.For example, the scheduling application 20 may be mobile applicationbased on Fusion RV software available from Crestron Electronics, Inc. ofRockleigh, N.J. The scheduling application 20 may provide similarfunctionality as the Fusion RV software by enabiling a user to: checkthe availability of one or more conference rooms; book one or moreconference rooms for a predefined time either presently or at somefuture date; search for a desirable conference room based onavailability and resources such as size, AV equipment, catering, etc.,determine the direction of a desired conference room based on thelocation of the NFC tag 11; and check-in to a meeting and end a meeting.By checking in and ending a meeting, actions may be triggered from anaccompanying control system controlling one or more devices andenvironmental aspects of the conference room.

Additionally, because the portable electronic device 13 may be used toidentify a user, the scheduling application 20 may provide additionalfunctionality. The scheduling software may know the identity of a userbooking a conference room remotely and update the schedule of theconference room and the user accordingly. Additionally, a control systemin communication with the scheduling software may alter one or morecontrol settings based on the user. For example, the schedulingapplication may communicate personal settings for the conference room tothe control network. The scheduling application may check user identityagainst a database to determine access rights for the user to view ormanage the schedule of an area or resource. A user may have limited orno access to certain areas or resources based on time of day, priority,employment level or a myriad of other factors.

The scheduling application 20, such as Crestron Roomview or othersimilar scheduling application 20 may be downloaded from an applicationmarketplace such as from the Google Play application marketplace or theApple iTunes® application marketplace. The portable electronic device 13communicates with a scheduling server 15 to upload and/or download oneor more aspects of availability data associated with a conference roomor resource to be maintained for reservation. Upon opening, thescheduling application 20 may communicate with a scheduling server 15 todownload a project file of the facility. In another embodiment, thescheduling application 20 may not require a local file for the facilityand may be completely web-based. The project file may compriseinformation regarding the facility such as the number and type ofconference rooms, the resources available for each conference room andinformation regarding the control system associated with the conferenceroom, such as information enabling communication with one or morecontrol processors.

The scheduling application 20 comprises a series of menu pages eachfurther comprising selectable elements and graphical elements. One ormore of the menu pages may comprise to a schedule of a conference room.The portable electronic device 13 transmits information to thescheduling server 15 according to inputs from the user. Additionally,the scheduling server 15 may communicate with the portable electronicdevice 13, such as by providing updates to the schedule and providingfeedback such as confirmation notices to the portable electronic device13.

In certain embodiments, the portable electronic device 13 may includelocation sensing circuitry 136. The location sensing circuitry 136 mayrepresent global positioning system (GPS) circuitry, but may alsorepresent one or more algorithms and databases, stored in thenonvolatile storage or main memory and executed by the CPU 131, whichmay be used to infer location based on various observed factors. Forexample, the location sensing circuitry may represent an algorithm anddatabase used to approximate geographic location based on the detectionof local 802.11x (Wi-Fi) networks or nearby cellular phone towers.

The portable electronic device 13 may also include a wired input/output(I/O) interface 137 for a wired interconnection between one electronicdevice and another electronic device. The wired I/O interface 137 mayrepresent, for example, a universal serial bus (USB) port or an IEEE1394 or FireWire® port, but may also represent a proprietary connection.Additionally, the wired I/O 137 interface may permit a connection touser input peripheral devices, such as a keyboard or a mouse.

An infrared (IR) interface may enable the portable electronic device 13to receive and/or transmit signals with infrared light. By way ofexample, the IR interface may comply with an infrared IrDA specificationfor data transmission. Alternatively, the IR interface may functionexclusively to receive control signals or to output control signals. Inthis way, the portable electronic device 13 may issue signals to controlother electronic devices that may lack other interfaces forcommunication.

One or more network interfaces 138 may provide additional connectivityfor the portable electronic device 13. The network interfaces 138 mayrepresent, for example, one or more network interface cards (NIC) or anetwork controller. In certain embodiments, the network interface 138may include a personal area network (PAN) interface 138 a. The PANinterface 138 a may provide capabilities to network with, for example, aBluetooth® network, an IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g., ZigBee) network, or an ultrawideband network (UWB). As should be appreciated, the networks accessedby the PAN interface 138 a may, but do not necessarily, represent lowpower, low bandwidth, or close range wireless connections. The PANinterface 138 a may permit one electronic device to connect to anotherlocal electronic device via an ad-hoc or peer-to-peer connection.However, the connection may be disrupted if the separation between thetwo electronic devices exceeds the range of the PAN interface.

The network interface may also include a local area network (LAN)interface 138 b. The LAN interface 138 b may represent an interface to awired Ethernet-based network, but may also represent an interface to awireless LAN, such as an IEEE 802.11x wireless network. The range of theLAN interface 138 b may generally exceed the range available via the PANinterface 138 a. Additionally, in many cases, a connection between twoelectronic devices via the LAN interface 138 b may involve communicationthrough a network router or other intermediary device.

For some embodiments of the portable electronic device 13, the networkinterfaces 138 may include the capability to connect directly to a widearea network (WAN) via a WAN interface 138 c. The WAN interface 138 cmay permit a connection to a cellular data network, such as the EnhancedData rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network or other 3G network. Whenconnected via the WAN interface 138 c, the portable electronic device 13may remain connected to the Internet and, in some embodiments, toanother electronic device, despite changes in location that mightotherwise disrupt connectivity via the PAN interface 138 a or the LANinterface 138 b. As will be discussed below, the wired I/O interface 137and the network interfaces 138 may represent high-bandwidthcommunication channels for transferring user data using the simplifieddata transfer techniques discussed herein.

The portable electronic device 13 may also include a near fieldcommunication (NFC) interface 139. The NFC interface 139 may allow forextremely close range communication at relatively low data rates (e.g.,464 kb/s), and may comply with such standards as ISO 18092 or ISO 21521,or it may allow for close range communication at relatively high datarates (e.g., 560 Mbps), and may comply with the TransferJet® protocol.The NFC interface 139 may have a range of approximately 2 to 4 cm. Theclose range communication with the NFC interface 139 may take place viamagnetic field induction, allowing the NFC interface 139 to communicatewith other NFC interfaces or to retrieve information from tags havingradio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry. As discussed below, theNFC interface 139 may provide a manner of initiating or facilitating atransfer of user data from one electronic device to another electronicdevice.

The portable electronic device 13 may also include a camera 140. Withthe camera 140, the portable electronic device 13 may obtain digitalimages or videos. In combination with optical character recognition(OCR) software, barcode-reading software, or matrix-code-readingsoftware running on the portable electronic device 13, the camera 140may be used to input data from printed materials having text or barcodeinformation. Such data may include information indicating how to controlanother device from a matrix barcode that may be printed on the otherdevice, as described below.

In certain embodiments of the portable electronic device 13, one or moreaccelerometers 141 may sense the movement or orientation of the portableelectronic device 13. The accelerometers 141 may provide input orfeedback regarding the position of the portable electronic device 13 tocertain applications running on the CPU 131.

The one or more communication interfaces described above enablescommunications with a plurality of user communication devices viacommunication network. User communication devices which may be leveragedin accordance with teachings of the present invention include, withoutlimitation, mobile telephone, personal digital assistant, computersystem, video display/conferencing system, touch panel, laptop computeras well as other communication enabled devices.

Communication network 104 may include one or more gateway devices (notexpressly shown). Other user communication devices may communicate withthe gateway devices of communication network 104 just as portableelectronic device 13 communicates with the gateway devices. In thismanner, user communication devices may be in selective communicationwith portable electronic device 13 via the gateway devices andcommunication network 104.

The gateways of communication network 104 preferably provide portableelectronic device 13 with an entrance to communication network 104 andmay include software and/or hardware components to manage trafficentering and exiting communication network 104 and conversion betweenthe communication protocols used by user communication devices, portableelectronic device 13 and communication network 104. In certainembodiments, the gateways of communication network 104 may function as aproxy server and a firewall server for user communication devices aswell as portable electronic device 13. Further, the gateways may beassociated with a router (not expressly shown) operable to direct agiven packet of data that arrives at a gateway and a switch (notexpressly shown) operable to provide a communication path into and outof each gateway.

In one embodiment, communication network 104 may be a public switchedtelephone network (PSTN). In alternate embodiments, communicationnetwork 104 may include a cable telephony network, an IP (InternetProtocol) telephony network, a wireless network, a hybrid Cable/PSTNnetwork, a hybrid IP/PSTN network, a hybrid wireless/PSTN network or anyother suitable communication network or combination of communicationnetworks. In addition, other network embodiments can be deployed withmany variations in the number and type of devices, communicationnetworks, the communication protocols, system topologies, and myriadother details without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

In one embodiment, user communication devices may include a variety offorms of equipment connected to communication network 104 and accessibleto a user. User communication devices may be, employ or includetelephones (wireline or wireless), dial-up modems, cable modems, DSL(digital subscriber line) modems, phone sets, fax equipment, answeringmachines, set-top boxes, televisions, POS (point-of-sale) equipment, PBX(private branch exchange) systems, personal computers, laptop computers,personal digital assistants (PDAs), SDRs, other nascent technologies, orany other appropriate type or combination of communication equipmentavailable to a user. User communication devices may be equipped forconnectivity to communication network via a PSTN, DSLs, cable network,wireless network, or other communication channel.

The AV control system processor 40 is connected to various conferenceroom devices 102 via a wire line or wireless connection. The conferenceroom devices 102 include various types of audio/visual equipment 263.For example, audio/visual equipment 263 includes, but is not limited to,cameras 2, VCR 410, audio system device 406, DVD/DVR 407, telephone 401,projector 402 and projector screen 403, CD player 408, touch panel 411,one or more local computers 5, cable television box (not shown), andtelevision 404 such as plasma, liquid crystal display, light-emittingdiode flat panel, and cathode ray tube television.

The AV control system processor 40 may be a Crestron 3-Series Controlsystem available from Crestron Electronics, Inc. of Rockleigh, N.J. TheCrestron 3-Series Control system provides a complete integrated AV orautomation solution. Every audio, video, and environmental element ofthe conference room 101 becomes integrated and accessible through the AVsystem processor 40.

The control system processor is used for, among other things,controlling and monitoring various devices and environmental conditionsthroughout a structure. The control system may control one or more ofthe following controllable devices: A/V devices including but notlimited to content sources, content sinks, video recorders, audioreceivers, speakers, and projectors; lighting devices including but notlimited to lamps, ballasts, light emitting diode (LED) drivers; HVACdevices including but not limited to thermostats, occupancy sensors, airconditioning units, heating units, filtration systems, fans,humidifiers; shading elements including but not limited to motorizedwindow treatments, dimmable windows; security elements including but notlimited to security cameras, monitors and door locks; householdappliances including but not limited to refrigerators, ovens, blenders,microwaves; control devices including but not limited to switches,relays, current limiting devices; and industrial devices including butnot limited to motors, pumps, chillers, and air compressors.

One or more network interfaces may provide connectivity for the AV andcontrol system processors (collectively processors). The networkinterface may represent, for example, one or more NICs or a networkcontroller. In certain embodiments, the network interface may include aPAN interface. The PAN interface may provide capabilities to networkwith, for example, a Bluetooth® network, an IEEE 802.15.4 (e.g. Zigbeenetwork), or an ultra wideband network. As should be appreciated, thenetworks accessed by the PAN interface may, but do not necessarily,represent low power, low bandwidth, or close range wireless connections.The PAN interface may permit one electronic device to connect to anotherlocal electronic device via an ad-hoc or peer-to-peer connection.However, the connection may be disrupted if the separation between thetwo electronic devices exceeds the range of the PAN interface.

The network interface may also include a LAN interface. The LANinterface may represent an interface to a wired Ethernet-based networkbut may also represent an interface to a wireless LAN, such as an802.11x wireless network. The range of the LAN interface may generallyexceed the range available via the PAN interface. Additionally, in manycases, a connection between two electronic devices via the LAN interfacemay involve communication through a network router or other intermediarydevice.

Ethernet connectivity enables integration with IP-controllable devicesand allows the processors to be part of a larger managed controlnetwork. Whether residing on a sensitive corporate LAN, a home network,or accessing the Internet through a cable modem, the control processormay provide secure, reliable interconnectivity with IP-enabled devices,such as touch screens, computers, mobile devices, video displays,Blu-ray Disc® players, media servers, security systems, lighting, HVAC,and other equipment—both locally and globally.

The processors may also include one or more wired input/output (I/O)interface for a wired connection between one electronic device andanother electronic device. One or more wired interfaces may represent aserial port, for example a COM port or a USB port. Additionally, thewired I/O interface may represent, for example, a Cresnet port. Cresnetprovides a network wiring solution for Crestron keypads, lightingcontrols, thermostats, and other devices that don't require the higherspeed of Ethernet. The Cresnet bus offers wiring and configuration,carrying bidirectional communication and 24VDC power to each device overa simple 4-conductor cable.

One or more IR interfaces may enable the processors to receive and/ortransmit signals with infrared light. The IR interface may comply withan infrared IrDA specification for data transmission. Alternatively, theIR interface may function exclusively to receive control signals or tooutput control signals. The IR interface may provide a direct connectionwith one or more devices such as a centralized AV sources, videodisplays, and other devices.

One or more programmable relay ports may enable the processors tocontrol window shades, projection screens, lifts, power controllers, andother contact-closure actuated equipment. One or more “Versiport” I/Oports may enable the integration of occupancy sensors, power sensors,door switches, or anything device that provides a dry contact closure,low-voltage logic, or 0-10 Volt DC signal.

For some embodiments of the processors, the network interfaces mayinclude the capability to connect directly to a WAN via a WAN interface.The WAN interface may permit connection to a cellular data network, suchas the EDGE network or other 3G network. When connected via the WANinterface, the processors may remain connected to the Internet and, insome embodiments, to another electronic device, despite changes inlocation that might otherwise disrupt connectivity via the PAN interfaceor the LAN interface.

By leveraging remote access of the processors, a user may control thedevices or environment settings in a building from anywhere in the worldusing a portable electronic device 13.

The portable electronic device 13 communicates with a scheduling server15 to upload and/or download one or more aspects of availability dataassociated with a resource to be maintained for reservation. Forexample, a user may upload or download information concerning one ormore resources from or to one or more applications maintained by theuser on a local computer, personal digital assistant, or otherinformation handling system as well from a user maintained network sitesuch as a web-based calendaring application or another content site.Examples of applications or utilities from which information may beuploaded or to which information may be downloaded another, withoutlimitation, Microsoft Outlook®, Yahoo! Calendar®, Lotus Notes®, as wellas other calendaring applications.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an NFC tag employed in the system of FIG. 1in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. Theportable electronic device 13 reads the NFC tag 11 to quickly access theschedule of one or more conference rooms. The NFC tag 11 encodes anapplication identifier 113 and an area address 115, such as a uniformresource locator (URL) for the room. In an embodiment of the invention,the NFC tag 11 is configured for being read by an NFC interface in apassive communication mode. In this mode, the NFC tag 11 draws itsoperating power from the electromagnetic field provided by the NFCinterface of the initiator device. Advantageously, the NFC tag 11 doesnot require a power supply for operation.

The NFC tag 11 may be an element of a control point located in or nearthe conference room or may be an independent device disposed on asurface located in or near the conference room. For example, the controlpoint may provide limited functionality, such as displaying the statusand schedule of the room, while the portable electronic device 13provides the interface to access the scheduling program to manipulatethe schedule of the room or to view and manipulate the schedule of otherconference rooms.

Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a scheduling applicationcomprising a collection of software engines and data storage areas isshown according to teachings of the present invention. As mentionedabove, the number of software engines and data storage areas may bevaried and, as such, the specific arrangement discussed herein ispresented primarily for descriptive purposes.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, data storage area of non-volatile storage mayinclude one or more resource availability data storage areas 202.Resource availability data storage area 202 includes data pertaining totimes, dates or other information concerning when a resource may bereserved. In one embodiment, resource availability data storage area 202may cooperate with other data maintained in one or more data storageareas as well as one or more software engines. Data storage area alsoincludes one or more resource data storage areas 204.

Resource data storage area 204 is operable to maintain data concerningone or more aspects of information regarding a resource maintained forreservation. In addition, data storage area 204 also includes, forexample, various preset parameters 106, preset information 107, presetresources 105, and conference type 108. In general, preset resources 105are conference room devices 102 such as video projector 402, CD player408, touch panel 411, audio 406, camera 7, DVD/DVR player 407, VCR 410,lighting system device 71, touch panel 411, blinds/shades 14, HVACsystem 72, security system 73, sensor system 74, and local computer 405(FIG. 1). In general, preset parameters 106 (e.g., FIG. 3) areinformation related to the meeting or conference. For example, presetparameters 106 could include start and end time of the conference,meeting and event types discussion, presentation, audio call, videocall, audio and video call, shared documentation, phone number,passcode, and video number. These preset parameters 106 will be furtherexplained below. In general, preset information 107 is information fromthe preset parameters 106 received from the user. For example, presetinformation 107 is the actual time (i.e., 8:30 AM) in response to thepreset parameter 106 of the meeting start time 1005. It should beunderstood that preset parameters 106, preset information 107, presetresources 105, and conference type may include other data/informationthat is programmable depending upon the various aspects of the teachingsof the present invention. For example, images, descriptive information,as well as other information regarding a resource maintained forreservation may be stored in resource data storage area. Further,resource data storage area 204 includes information definingrelationships between resources, such as relationship details amongpreset resources 105, preset information 107, and preset parameter 106.Additional information may be maintained in resource data storage area204 without departing from the spirit and scope of teachings of thepresent disclosure.

Data storage area also includes one or more user preference data storageareas 218. User preference data storage area 218 is operable to maintaindata concerning one or more aspects of information regarding thepreferences of the user associated with the personal electronic device13. Data storage area may comprise settings for resources, conferenceroom devices and environmental controls.

Data storage area also includes one or more access data storage areas220. Resource data storage area 204 is operable to maintain dataconcerning one or more aspects of information regarding the accessinformation of a user associated with the personal electronic device 13,access information of other users or access information corresponding toone or more resources. This information may include one or moredatabases linking users and resources with permissions.

Teachings of the present invention may be implemented or effected usinga variety of components and/or techniques. In an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, one or more software engines may be leveraged inthe management of one or more schedules of conference rooms. As such,according to teachings of the present invention, one or more softwareengines preferably associated with portable electronic device 13cooperate to achieve and effect teachings discussed herein.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention may include user registration engine 208. User registrationengine 208 requires or requests a variety of data from a user during aregistration process. For example, requests for data may include theuser's name and password for registration purposes. In addition toperforming such conventional user registration tasks as requiring orrequesting a user to create a user name and/or password, an embodimentof user registration engine 208 employed by portable electronic device13 preferably requires or requests a registering resource provider tosubmit availability data as to one or more resources the resourceprovider desires to maintain for reservation. In addition, userregistration engine 208 may also request or require that a resourceprovider submit information describing the one or more resources to bemaintained for reservation. Further, user registration engine 208 mayrequest or require that a resource provider set desired access rightsfor resource requesters seeking to view the resources maintained forreservation by the resource provider.

Various other data may be gathered from a registering user by a userregistration engine 208 incorporating teachings of the presentinvention. It should be noted that user registration engine 208 mayleverage one or more additional software engines in the performance ofthe exemplary operations discussed above and that in operationsdiscussed, with respect to certain circumstances, user registrationengine 208 may be supplanted by alternative software enginefunctionality.

In addition to user registration engine 208, an example embodiment of asystem, method and software incorporating teachings of the presentinvention also includes preset association engine 210. Presetassociation engine 210 provides preset parameters 106 to be displayedand defines the association between the preset resources 105 and thepreset information 107 obtained by the user from the preset parameters106. For example, the portable electronic device 13 displays a presetparameter 106 such as asking for a conference type 108 and providingoptions such as a meeting or an event type of conference. The userseeking to make one or more resources available for reservation mayselect, for example, a meeting type 745. The preset association engine210 associates the meeting type (preset information 107) with a list ofmore preset parameters 106 and/or resources (e.g., conference roomdevices 102). Once the user chooses the type of conference 130, anotherpreset parameter 106 is requested for the user to enter additionalpreset information 107. For example, if the user chooses a meeting type745, another preset parameter 106 is prompted to request the user toenter a type of meeting type 745 such as discussion 1102, presentation1103, audio call 1104, video call 1105, or audio and video call 1106. Ifthe user chooses audio and video call 210, another preset parameter 106of upload shared document 1201 is requested of the user. The presetassociation engine 210 may then associate the audio and video call 210with preset resources 105 (e.g., conference room devices 102). Referringto FIG. 1, in this example, the preset resources 105 are telephone 401,video projector 402, camera 409, and computer 405. It should beunderstood that the preset resources 105 may be altered depending uponthe various aspects of the teachings of the present invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the scheduling application 20 mayfind an alternative conference room for an attendee due to a schedulingconflict or a lack of required resources in the conference room.Referring back to FIG. 4, the preset association engine 210 operateswith an availability data engine 212 as well as other software engines,to determine a conference room 101 that has the required presetresources 105 for the audio and video call 210 and reserve suchconference room 101. The availability data engine 212 also includes asynchronization function that enable users to maintain coherency betweena portable or local calendaring utility or application and a publiclyaccessible resource availability and reservation system. Synchronizationcapabilities also include functionality operable to resolve conflictsbetween a user's calendaring utility and availability schedulingmaintained by the resource availability and reservation system.

In addition to the preset association engine, an example embodiment of asystem, method and software incorporating teachings of the presentinvention also includes user preference engine. User preference engineprovides preset parameters to be displayed and requests a variety ofdata from a user during a setup process. For example, requests for datamay include preferred lighting level, preferred thermostat setting andpreferred notification settings.

The software engine also includes a resource request and reservationmanagement engine. In one embodiment, the resource request andreservation management engine is employed to monitor and ensurecompliance with reservation criteria established by the providers of theresources available for reservation. Further, resource request andreservation management engine may be employed to monitor and ensurecompliance with one or more reservation linking requirements requestedby a provider of one or more resources available for reservation. Inaddition, resource request and reservation management engine may, suchas through cooperation with notification engine, be operable to notify aresource provider of a resource reservation request, to notify aresource requester as to the status of a reservation request for aselected resource, generate one or more meeting requests or remindersindicative of the resource reservation, as well as perform other tasks.

Resource availability verification engine may also be included in anembodiment of the present invention. In one aspect, resourceavailability verification engine may be used to perform one or morechecks on resources maintained for reservation to ensure that postingsregarding such resources accurately reflect substantially current orup-to-date availability. In another aspect, resource availabilityverification engine may, upon receipt of a resource reservation request,verify that a selected resource remains available and has not beenreserved in the interim period between a posting of the selectedresource's reservation availability and the time when a user makes orinitiates a reservation request process. Other operations and benefitsmay flow from a resource availability verification engine incorporatingteachings of the present invention.

In addition to or in lieu of one or more software engines discussedabove, notification engine may also be included in an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. Notification engine, according toteachings of the present invention, may be employed to provide real-timestatus information of resources in each conference room including thepreset resources such as environmental resources and conference roomdevices. The notification engine may notify a resource requester orother people such as IT specialist as to the status of the submittedreservation requests and/or acknowledged reservations.

Notification engine may also be leveraged to deliver messages sentbetween various people such as a user from one conference room to an ITspecialist. For example, notification engine in cooperation with otherengines and information handling system may provide instant messagingservice, short messaging service, multimedia messaging service, oremail. It may be appreciated that other situations exist in which anotification would be preferred or required. As such, a variety of othernotifications may be performed by notification engine included in anexemplary embodiment of the present invention without departing from thespirit and scope of the teachings discussed herein.

The software engines also include a control engine. In general, thecontrol engine may be leveraged in association with one or more includedsoftware engines and data available in data storage area to send atleast one command to control the associated preset resources once theconference room 101 with the preset resources is reserved. Referring toFIG. 1, for example, the control engine sends a command to control theassociated preset resources in response to the start and end time of theconference. The at least one command includes a command to power on/offthe video projector, CD player, touch panel, audio, camera, DVD/DVRplayer, and VCR. The at least one command may also include a command todisplay and power on/off or dim the lighting system device, control thetouch panel, raise/lower the blinds/shades, power on/off or adjust thetemperature of the HVAC system, enable/disable the security system,power on/off or move the sensor system, and power on/off local computer.Depending upon implementation, other control commands are contemplatedby the present invention.

The software engine also includes a presentation engine 206. In general,the presentation engine 206 may be leveraged in association with one ormore included software engines and data available in data storage areato enable visual layout and presentation structure of a managementresource reservation, real-time diagnostic and control content pages.For example, presentation engine 206 may enable general content sitepresentation of one or more resources maintained for 1) reservation, 2)preset parameter, 3) real-time diagnostic, control, and monitor ofconference room devices, 4) one or more search features or viewercustomization presentation features, 5) meeting start and stopfunctionality and 6) user communication device formatting, as well asother aspects of delivering resource availability and reservationinformation to a viewer or registered user via a content site. FIG. 5through FIG. 16, discussed below, include embodiments of content pageswhose presentation and layout may be effected using one or more contentpresentation engines such as presentation engine 206.

An example embodiment of a system, method and software incorporatingteachings of the present invention also includes an access engine. Theaccess engine may check the access of a user to a resource such as bymaintaining a database listing access permissions for resources andusers as identified by the user ID of the portable electronic device.The access engine may subsequently restrict a user's access to view ormanage the schedule of a resource. Access may restricted based on anumber of factors including time of day or date, location of resource,popularity of resource, priority level of user, employment status orlevel of user. Additionally, the access engine may limit the functionsof the scheduling application based on a users role in the meeting. Forexample, a meeting organizer may have more access to modify the meetingthan an invited participant.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting a main screen page 500 of thescheduling application 20 for a system of managing a conference roomschedule, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. Upon opening the application manually, a user may bepresented with this screen. Main screen options include a preferencesicon 501, an access room icon 502, and search icon 503. By selecting thepreferences option, the user may access a menu for setting certainpreferences unique to the user. Selecting the current area may bring upa screen in which the user may enter a URL for a room schedule on ascheduling server or employ an interface of the phone, such as an NFCinterface or a Bluetooth interface as will be described below. Thesearch icon 503 allows a user to access a menu where the schedulingapplication 20 may locate a suitable conference room according to thetime of the meeting and required size and resources of the conferenceroom.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting a preferences page of thescheduling application 20 for a system of managing a conference roomschedule, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. The preferences page 600 presents fields in which the usermay enter certain preferences for conference room environments andmeeting presets. For example, a user may provide preference informationregarding lighting levels, HVAC settings, and notification settings forthe conference. The preference page comprises a lighting level pull downmenu 601, a thermostat setting fillable field 602 and a notificationsetting pull down menu 603. In an embodiment of the invention, uponreserving a conference room, the scheduling application 20 may forwardthe preference information to a control processor either directly or viathe scheduling server 15.

In another embodiment of the invention, upon entering preferenceinformation, the preference information is uploaded and stored by thescheduling server 15 or the control processor and associated with a userID. Upon the user reserving a conference room with the user ID, thescheduling server 15 or control processor associates the preferenceinformation with the reserved conference room.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting a schedule page of thescheduling application 20 for a system of managing a conference roomschedule, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. Upon placing the portable electronic device 13 withincommunication range of an NFC tag 11 within the area, according to theapplication ID and area address encoded on the tag, the portableelectronic device 13 will launch the scheduling application 20 anddisplay the schedule page 700 for the area. Alternatively, the user maylaunch the application and manually enter a room address or scan the NFCtag 11 from any menu page in the application to access the schedule page700.

The schedule page comprises a schedule 701 of the area. The schedule 701shown in FIG. 7 is a daily schedule with fifteen minute increments;however, the scheduling application 20 may display the schedule 701 in adifferent time scale and with different increments as well. For example,the scheduling application 20 may display a daily schedule divided intoten minute increments or a weekly or monthly schedule 701 as well.

In addition to the schedule 701 of the area, the schedule page 700further comprises selectable items comprising an add meeting button 702and a main menu button 703. As will be described below, by selecting theadd meeting button 702, the user may add a meeting for the area. Byselecting the main menu button 703, the user may be presented withselectable options of the main menu, either by displaying the selectableoptions on a portion of the schedule page 700 or by navigating to themain menu page.

The schedule 701 displays the day as time periods divided by fifteenminute increments. Each time period comprises a status indicator,indicating whether the room is booked or available during the timeperiod. The status indicator may be selectable icon covering one or moretime periods. For example, the selectable icon may be displayed in acertain color or shape to indicate whether the time period is booked orvacant. Additionally, the status indicator may be the absence of aselectable icon or visual indicator. For example, the absence of aselectable icon with meeting information may indicate vacant.

In FIG. 7, each time period is displayed as vacant or booked. Forexample, shaded may indicate booked and not shaded may indicateavailable. In an embodiment of the invention, the time period may behighlighted a third color to indicate another state of the conferenceroom. For example, yellow may indicate that the conference room istentatively booked such as when a meeting confirmation is still pending.

In FIG. 7, the time period from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM comprises a shadedmeeting icon 703 indicating that conference room is booked for this timeperiod. Additionally in the shaded time periods, a title for themeeting, “Patent Review” is displayed. Conversely, the time period from3:30 PM to 5:15 PM comprises an unshaded vacant icon indicating that itis available.

A booked time period may display the name of the meeting and/or theorganizer of the meeting. A user may interact with the schedule 701 suchas by scrolling down to view other time periods or by selecting one ormore time periods to view information pertaining to a booked time periodor to book the time period if available.

A user may reserve the room by either selecting a vacant time period onthe schedule 701 or selecting the “Add Meeting” button.

In an embodiment of the invention, prior to displaying the schedule ofthe room, the scheduling application may check the access level of theuser ID associated with the portable electronic device. The schedulingapplication may check the access level to determine whether the user mayview the schedule, book meetings on the schedule and with what presetresources.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram depicting an information pop-up screen ofthe scheduling application 20 for non-meeting organizers, in accordancewith an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The information pop-upscreen 800 details information for a meeting scheduled in the conferenceroom. Upon selecting a booked time period, the pop up screen may detailthe room information 801, the time information 802 comprising a startingtime and ending time, the name of the organizer 803, the subject of themeeting 804, the number of participants in the meeting 805, and otherinformation pertaining to the meeting. The organizer of the meeting maychoose which meeting details to display on the scheduling application 20when organizing the meeting.

In another embodiment of the invention, the information pop-up screen801 may display the location for shared documentation, a list of one ormore requested resources, preconfigured room settings and otherinformation.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting an information pop-up screen ofthe scheduling application 20 for meeting organizers, in accordance withan illustrative embodiment of the invention. The information pop-upscreen 801 details information for a meeting scheduled in the conferenceroom. Upon selecting a booked time period, the pop up screen may detailthe room information 801, the time information 802 comprising a startingtime and ending time, the name of the organizer 803, the subject of themeeting 804, the number of participants in the meeting 805, and otherinformation pertaining to the meeting.

In an embodiment of the invention, the scheduling application checks theuser ID associated with the portable electronic device with the user IDlisted as the organizer prior to displaying the information pop-upscreen. The information pop-up screen comprises additional informationand selectable icons if the user ID is listed as one of the organizersof the meeting.

In addition to the general information, the information pop-up screenincludes one or more selectable icons for operating a meeting comprisinga “start meeting” selectable icon 901, a “stop meeting” selectable icon902, a “start record” selectable icon 903, a “pause record” selectableicon 904 and a “stop record” selectable icon 905.

The “start meeting” selectable icon 901 allows the organizer to beginthe meeting. Upon receiving a selection of the start meeting button, thescheduling application may send one or more control signals to thepreset resources in the conference room. In response to receiving aselection to start a video and audio call, the scheduling applicationmay send a control signal to a video source, such as a TV or projector,one or more lighting devices, one or more HVAC devices and one or moreAV devices. For example, the scheduling application may send a controlsignal for the projector screen to be lowered, the projector turned on,the lights lowered, and the audio or video pass code to be entered.

Upon receiving a selection to start a presentation, the schedulingapplication may send a control signal to a video source to displayshared documentation, to turn on the lights, and to power on a localcomputer or networked computer with the shared document.

Depending upon implementation, other control commands are contemplatedby the present invention.

Additionally, in response to receiving a selection of the start icon,the scheduling application may communicate with the scheduling server toalert the scheduling server that the meeting has started and that theroom is not available for other meetings. In the absence of such acommunication, after a predetermined amount of time, the schedulingserver may allow the conference room to be reserved by other users.

The “stop meeting” selectable icon 902 allows the organizer to stop themeeting. Upon receiving a selection of the stop meeting button, thescheduling application may send one or more control signals to thepreset resources in the conference room. In response to receiving aselection to stop a video and audio call, the scheduling application maysend a control signal to a video source such as a TV or projector. Forexample, the scheduling application may send a control signal for theprojector screen to be raised, the projector powered down, the lightsraised, and the audio or video call to be terminated.

Upon receiving a selection to stop a presentation, the schedulingapplication may send a control signal to a video source to stopdisplaying shared documentation, to turn off one or more lights and topower down a local or networked computer with the shared document.

Depending upon implementation, other control commands are contemplatedby the present invention.

Additionally, in response to receiving a selection of the stop icon, thescheduling application may communicate with the scheduling server toalert the scheduling server that the meeting has ended and that the roomis not available for other meetings. This is especially advantageous formeetings that have ended early.

In an embodiment of the invention, the “start meeting” icon and the“stop meeting icon” are the same icon. For example, the selectable iconmay be a binary icon whose state depends on the state of the meeting.When the meeting is progressing, the icon functions as a “stop meeting”icon and when the meeting is stopped, the icon functions as a “startmeeting” icon. The icon may be displayed differently depending on thestate of the icon.

In embodiments of the invention, in which the conference room isequipped with a presentation or lecture capture device 412, the “startrecord”, “stop record” and “pause record” selectable icons 903, 904, 905allow for the user to control recording via the portable electronicdevice 13. The portable electronic device 13 may communicate with thelecture capture device via communication with the control server or viathe scheduling server 15.

The “start record” selectable icon 903 allows the organizer to beginrecording the meeting. Upon receiving a selection of the start recordselectable icon, the scheduling application may send one or more controlsignals to the presentation capture device 412 in the conference room tostart recording. Upon receiving a selection of the pause recordselectable icon, the scheduling application may send one or more controlsignals to the presentation capture device 412 in the conference room topause recording. Upon receiving a selection of the stop recordselectable icon, the scheduling application may send one or more controlsignals to the presentation capture device 412 in the conference room toconclude recording the meeting. Additionally, in response to a selectionof the stop record selectable icon, the scheduling application may sendone or more control signals to the presentation capture device to uploadto the recording to a media server according to preferences associatedwith the user ID.

In an embodiment of the invention, the information pop-up screen mayalso display control settings for other devices such as AV resources orlighting resources. The portable electronic device 13 may communicatewith the AV resources via communication with the control server throughthe communication network or via the scheduling server 15.

In an embodiment of the invention, the “start recording” icon and the“stop recording” icon are the same icon. For example, the selectableicon may be a binary icon whose state depends on the state of themeeting. When the meeting is progressing, the icon functions as a “stoprecording” icon and when the meeting is stopped, the icon functions as a“start recording” icon. The icon may be displayed differently dependingon the state of the icon.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram depicting a general informationscheduling tab of the scheduling application 20, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the invention. Upon a user selecting one ormore consecutive time periods to book a meeting, the scheduling sub-menu1000 is displayed, allowing the user to book the area for a period oftime. Alternatively, a user may select the book meeting menu displayedon the schedule page 700 of the scheduling application 20.

The scheduling menu 1000 comprises four tabs: a general information tab1001, a meeting type tab 1101, a shared documentation tab 1201. Thegeneral information tab 1001 includes preset parameters associated withgeneral information for the meeting. The preset parameters solicit thesubject of the meeting 1002, the location of the meeting 1003, the dateof the meeting 1004, the start time of the meeting 1005, the end time ofthe meeting 1006 and the recurrence of the meeting 1007. Aside from thesubject preset parameter 1002 and the recurrence preset parameter 1007,the scheduling application 20 fills in preset information according tothe room, date and time period selected from the calendar by the user.If the user access the scheduling menu from the “Add meeting” button702, the preset parameters may not be filled in by the schedulingapplication 20. The user may edit this information from the generalinformation tab 1001.

The responses to the preset parameters are preset information that aremay be used to associate with resources. The associated resources arepreset resources that are reserved for the meeting. The resources areconference room resources such as the conference room itself andconference room devices or other type of resources that are programmabledepending upon the various aspects of the teachings of the presentinvention. In this example, the resource may be a conference room A113for the meeting.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram depicting a presets tab of the schedulingapplication 20 for a discussion, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention. The preset parameters displayed in thepresets tab 1001 are associated with the conference type. The presetparameters include the type of meeting 1101 such as discussion 1102,presentation 1103, audio call 1104, video call 1105, and audio and videocall 1106. The preset parameters may also include a “welcome message”1107 and “image source” 1108 for sharing and/or displaying.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram depicting a presets tab 1101 of thescheduling application 20 for a presentation 1103, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment of the invention. For each meeting type 1101,there may be another set of preset parameters displayed in theconference type section of the tab. For example, if the user selects a“presentation” meeting type 1103, the preset parameter includes shareddocument 1201 as shown in FIG. 12. This shared document 1201 isavailable for the presentation 1103. The preset information obtainedfrom the preset parameter is associated with a need for a computer,lighting system, and projector 402 for the presentation 1103 type ofmeeting. The portable electronic device 13 may automatically send atleast one command to turn on the lights in the conference room and poweron the computer and projector 402 to display the shared document. Inthis example, the user will save setup time because the user will nothave to turn on the lights or setup the computer and projector 402 todisplay the shared file since this will be done automatically. Moreover,the shared file 1201 is shared with the conference participants andtherefore saves the user the time and effort of emailing everyparticipant the file.

In another embodiment, the user selects the “Audio Call” type 1104 ofconference, another set of preset parameters are displayed on the screenas shown in FIG. 13. The displayed preset parameters include the shareddocument 1201, phone number 1301, and passcode 1302 for access into theaudio call 1104. In this particular example, the conference roomresources associated with an audio call 1104 are a computer, speakerphone, lighting system, projector 402 and projector screen 403. At thestart time of the conference, the portable electronic device 13 sends atleast one command to power on the lighting system and projector 402,lowers the projector screen 403, display the shared file on to theprojector screen 403, and dials into the audio call 1104 using the phonenumber and passcode. The user comes to the conference room withouthaving to setup the audio call.

In another embodiment, the user selects the “Video Call” type ofconference, another set of preset parameters are displayed on the screenas shown in FIG. 14. The displayed preset parameters include the shareddocument 1201 and video number 1401. In this particular example, theconference room resources are computers, webcams, HD cameras, headsets,projector screen 403, lighting system, and conference room microphones.At the start time of the conference, the portable electronic device 13sends at least one command to power on the various preset resources,adjust the lighting system, dial the video number, and lower theprojector screen 403. The user comes to the conference room withouthaving to setup the video call. The video connection is established forthe video call.

In another embodiment, the user selects the “Video and Audio Call” typeof conference, another set of preset parameters are displayed on thescreen as shown in FIG. 15. The displayed preset parameters include theshared document 1201, phone number 1301, passcode 1302, and video number1401. Based on the present information that is receive from the user inresponse to the preset parameters, the scheduling application 20associates the preset parameter with the required conference roomresources. In this particular example, the conference room resources arecomputers, speakerphones, lighting system, projector 402 and projectorscreen 403, webcams, HD cameras 2, headsets (not shown), and conferenceroom microphones (not shown). At the start time of the conference, theportable electronic device 13 sends at least one command to power on thevarious preset resources, adjust the lighting system, dial the videonumber, and lower the projector screen 403. The user arrives in theconference room without having to setup the video call.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram depicting a people tab of the schedulingapplication 20, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. The people tab may display preset parameters of requiredusers 1601 and optional users 1602. The user may enter the names ofparticipants to be invited to the meeting. Advantageously, viaintegration with email system of the area, participants may be emailed arequest for the meeting.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing steps for performing a method ofaccessing a conference room schedule, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention. In step 1701, a user positions the portableelectronic device 13 such that the NFC interface is in communicationrange with the NFC tag 11. The user may tap a surface of the phone nearthe NFC tag 11 or position the NFC interface of the portable electronicdevice 13 to within a range of approximately two to four centimeters ofthe NFC tag 11.

In step 1702, the portable electronic device 13 reads the informationencoded on the NFC tag 11, such as the application identifier 113, andthe room or location address over an NFC communication channel 111. Theroom or location address may be a url of the scheduling server 15. Uponplacing the portable electronic device 13 within NFC communication rangeof the NFC tag 11, the NFC interface of the portable electronic device13 creates an electromagnetic field, thereby energizing the NFC tag 11.The NFC tag 11 is configured for manipulating the generatedelectromagnetic field according to the encoded information via loadmodulation. The NFC interface of the portable electronic device 13 readsthe encoded information from the modulated electromagnetic field.

In embodiments of the invention in which the NFC tag 11 encodesinformation in addition to the application identifier 113 and the serverURL for the room the NFC interface reads this information from the NFCtag 11, as well.

In step 1703, the smart phone loads the scheduling application 20according to the application identifier 113. The application identifier113 read from the NFC tag 11, instructs the portable electronic device13 which scheduling application 20 to launch.

In step 1704, upon launching the scheduling application 20, thescheduling application 20 is configured for establishing communicationwith the scheduling server 15 according to the URL encoded on the NFCtag 11. The scheduling application may communicate the user IDassociated with the scheduling application to the scheduling serverthereby allowing the scheduling server to determine the identity andlocation of the user.

In step 1705, the scheduling application 20 displays a calendar of theschedule application according to the address of the conference roomreceived via the NFC tag 11. The schedule may be displayed as aspreadsheet containing one or more columns corresponding to one or moredays and rows corresponding to one or more time periods, such as fifteenminute increments. Time periods in which the conference room is bookedmay be highlighted a first color such as red and time periods in whichthe conference room is available may be displayed as not highlighted.Additionally, information concerning the event for which a room isbooked may be listed in the relevant cell.

In step 1706, the scheduling application 20 receives on or more inputsfor reserving a conference room. From the calendar page of thescheduling application 20, a user may book the room during an availabletime period by selecting the time period. The user may select the timeperiod by selecting one or more cells from the scheduling application 20or from a scheduling content page which the scheduling application 20may display.

In step 1707, the scheduling application 20 displays one or more presetparameters for receiving preset information detailing the meeting. Thescheduling content page may comprise one or more fields to determine oneor more of the following: date of the event, the start time 1005 of theevent, the end time 1006 of the event, a title of the event, the numberof attendees of the event, the name of the event, shared documentationfor the event, resources required for the event, presets for theresources, and environmental conditions for event.

In step 1708, the scheduling application 20 receives one or more presetinformation detailing the meeting. For example, the schedulingapplication 20 may receive the start time 1005 and end time 1006 of themeeting, the subject of the meeting, the recurrence of the meeting,participants in the meeting, the type of meeting and conferenceinformation associated with the meeting, a welcome message and an image.

Additionally, the user may access a search content page which will allowa user to search for an available conference room. The search may bedependent on one or more of the following: date of the event, start time1005 of the event, end time 1006 of the event, number of attendees, andrequired resources.

Further from the scheduling application 20, the user may start themeeting and end a meeting early. For example, the scheduling application20 may recognize the user ID of the portable electronic device 13 andthe location of the NFC tag 11 and at an appropriate time display aselectable item for starting the meeting. While the meeting is inprogress, the scheduling application 20 may then display a selectableicon for ending the meeting.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system for managing aconference room schedule in accordance with an illustrative embodimentof the present invention. It should be noted that the exemplaryembodiment of system 100 illustrated in FIG. 18 may be varied in one ormore aspects without departing from the spirit and scope of theteachings disclosed herein.

In this embodiment, the identification unit comprises one or more RFbeacons 18. The one or more RF beacons 18 may be configured forcommunicating via Bluetooth 4.0 protocols. Specifically, the RF beacons18 may utilize Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy protocol to broadcastinformation.

The RF beacons 18 periodically broadcast information comprising theirbeacon ID 185 and an application identifier 113. The beacon ID 185 maybe an identification number independent of location, such as networkaddress, or may be a location such as coordinates or a room address.There are advantages associated with each of these schemes. Bybroadcasting beacon ID 185 as a location, the portable electronic device13 does not need to match an identity with a location. Accordingly, nolookup tables associating an address to a location need be stored by theportable electronic device. However, each beacon must then be dedicatedto a certain location or configured to broadcast a different location asa beacon ID 185 upon redeployment.

Contrastingly, by broadcasting a network address as a beacon ID 185, thelocation need not be programmed on the RF beacon and the beacons 18 maybe relocated after deployment without reprogramming the beacon. However,the scheduling application may then require a lookup table indexingaddress with location.

In an embodiment of the invention, the beacon ID 185 is the room address115 (i.e. scheduling server address). In this embodiment, the schedulingapplication may then be configured to match scheduling server addresswith a room to determine location. For example, the schedulingapplication may comprise a lookup table listing scheduling serveraddresses by location in the facility. In another embodiment of theinvention, each RF beacon is configured for transmitting both a beaconID 185 and a scheduling server address.

Preferably, a plurality of RF beacons 18 are placed strategicallythroughout a structure to enable the portable electronic device to be incommunication range with three RF beacons 18 at any time. In thisembodiment, the system comprises at least three RF beacons 18.Advantageously, this allows for estimation of location to a point usingtrilateration. In other embodiments, with less than three RF beacons 18,location may be estimated within a range.

However, it should be noted that the system may comprise less than threeRF beacons 18. The particular layout of a structure may only requirethat a portable electronic device be in communication with one or two RFbeacons 18 to accurately determine in which room or location theportable electronic device is located.

The personal area network interface of the portable electronic device isconfigured for determining the received signal strength of each receivedbeacon broadcast. For example, the personal area network interface maymeasure signal strength of broadcasts by received signal strengthindicator (RSSI). By utilizing the received signal strength of eachbeacon, the portable electronic device may estimate its distance to eachbeacon. The scheduling application may comprise a lookup table indexingdistances from beacon to RSSI. Accordingly, by mapping the beacon ID 185to a location in the facility and by determining its distance to one ormore beacons 18, the portable electronic device may determine itslocation in a facility.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic of a facility with a plurality of rooms, eachcomprising an RF beacon, according to an illustrative embodiment of theinvention. For example, the facility may be a corporate buildingcomprising offices and conference rooms. An RF beacon is placed in eachroom of the facility. The RF beacon may be placed in a common locationsuch as a light switch or touchpanel or may be placed in a remotelocation out of view. Each RF beacon periodically, transmits its beaconID 185, the application identifier 113 and in some embodiments, thescheduling server address. The portable electronic device periodicallylistens for RF beacon transmissions. The scheduling applicationdetermines a first distance 181, a second distance 182 and a thirddistance 183 to a first RF beacon, a second RF beacon and a third RFbeacon, respectively. Preferably, the scheduling application determinesthe first distance 181, the second distance 182 and the third distance183 with the three RF beacons 18 with the strongest received signalaccording to RSSI. The scheduling application may determine its locationby calculating the intersection of a first range with the first distance181 as a radius, a second range with the second distance 182 as a radiusand a third range with the third distance 183 as a radius. Bystrategically placing RF beacons 18 throughout a facility, the portableelectronic device may determine its location throughout the facility byperiodically calculating its range to any three RF beacons 18.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing steps for performing a method managing aconference room schedule via communication with an RF beacon, accordingto an illustrative embodiment of the invention. In step 2001, a userpositions the portable electronic device 13 such that the PAN interfaceis in communication range with a first RF beacon, a second RF beacon anda third RF beacon. The user may position the portable electronic deviceby simply walking within while carrying the portable electronic device.

In step 2002, the portable electronic device 13 receives the informationbroadcast by the first RF beacon, second RF beacon and third RF beacon,such as the application identifier 113 and each beacon ID 185. Inembodiments of the invention, each RF beacon additionally broadcasts aurl for accessing the schedule of the location on a scheduling server.

In step 2003, the portable electronic device loads the schedulingapplication 20 according to the application identifier 113. Theapplication identifier 113 received from the RF beacons 18, instructsthe portable electronic device 13 which scheduling application 20 tolaunch.

In step 2004, the scheduling application estimates a distance to the RFbeacon. By utilizing the received signal strength of each beacon, thescheduling application may determine its distance from each RF beacon.In an embodiment of the invention, the PAN interface of the portableelectronic device measures the RSSI of each received broadcast andutilizes a lookup table listing distance to beacon by RSSI to determinea distance to the RF beacon.

In another embodiment of the invention, the PAN interface may comparethe ratio of received signal strength to broadcast signal strength todetermine a distance to the beacons. In this embodiment, the broadcastsignal strength of the RF beacon may be a known quantity. In anotherembodiment of the invention, the RF beacon broadcasts this quantity.

In this embodiment, the portable electronic device continues listeninguntil receiving a broadcast from three RF beacons 18. In embodiments inwhich more than three beacons 18 are in range, the schedulingapplication may use the three strongest received signals. Additionally,the scheduling application may use the identity and signal strength ofadditional RF beacons 18 as an error check or redundancy. The schedulingapplication repeats steps 2004 for each of the RF beacons 18 therebyestimating a range to at least three RF beacons 18.

In step 2005, the scheduling application determines its locationaccording to the location information received from the RF beacons 18via trilateration. The position of each RF beacon is known by thescheduling application as well as an estimated distance to at leastthree RF beacons 18, the scheduling application may determine itslocation in coordinates. By determining the intersection point of thethree ranges to three RF beacons 18, the scheduling application maydetermine the location of the portable electronic device.

The scheduling application maps to a floor plan of the facility todetermine a location by room or area. By mapping the location to a floorplan, the scheduling application may know which room the portableelectronic device, and therefore the user, is located.

In step 2006, upon launching the scheduling application 20, thescheduling application 20 is configured for establishing communicationwith the scheduling server 15 according to a URL of the room stored bythe scheduling application or received from the RF beacon. Thescheduling application may communicate the user ID associated with thescheduling application to the scheduling server thereby allowing thescheduling server to determine the identity and location of the user.

However as will be discussed in reference to FIG. 21, in certainembodiments the portable electronic device may not be configured tocommunicate via the communication network. In these applications, theone or more RF beacons 18 may act as an intermediary gateway between theportable electronic device and the control processor.

In step 2007, the scheduling application 20 displays a schedule of theschedule application according to the location of the portableelectronic device. The schedule may be displayed as a spreadsheetcontaining one or more columns corresponding to one or more days androws corresponding to one or more time periods, such as fifteen minuteincrements. Time periods in which the conference room is booked may behighlighted a first color such as red and time periods in which theconference room is available may be displayed as not highlighted.Additionally, information concerning the event for which a room isbooked may be listed in the relevant cell.

In step 2008, the scheduling application 20 receives on or more inputsfor reserving a conference room. From the calendar page of thescheduling application 20, a user may book the room during an availabletime period by selecting the time period. The user may select the timeperiod by selecting one or more cells from the scheduling application 20or from a scheduling content page which the scheduling application 20may display.

In step 2009, the scheduling application 20 displays one or more presetparameters for receiving preset information detailing the meeting. Thescheduling content page may comprise one or more fields to determine oneor more of the following: date of the event, the start time 1005 of theevent, the end time 1006 of the event, a title of the event, the numberof attendees of the event, the name of the event, shared documentationfor the event, resources required for the event, presets for theresources, and environmental conditions for event.

In step 2010, the scheduling application 20 receives one or more presetinformation detailing the meeting. For example, the schedulingapplication 20 may receive the start time 1005 and end time 1006 of themeeting, the subject of the meeting, the recurrence of the meeting,participants in the meeting, the type of meeting and conferenceinformation associated with the meeting, a welcome message and an image.

Additionally, the user may access a search content page which will allowa user to search for an available conference room. The search may bedependent on one or more of the following: date of the event, start time1005 of the event, end time 1006 of the event, number of attendees, andrequired resources.

Further from the scheduling application 20, the user may start themeeting and end a meeting early. For example, the scheduling application20 may recognize the user ID and location of the portable electronicdevice 13 and at an appropriate time display a selectable item forstarting the meeting. While the meeting is in progress, the schedulingapplication 20 may then display a selectable icon for ending themeeting.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing steps for performing a method formanaging a conference room schedule via communication with an RF beacon,according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention.

In certain embodiments the portable electronic device may not beconfigured to communicate via the communication network. In theseapplications, the one or more RF beacons 18 may act as an intermediarygateway between the portable electronic device and the controlprocessor.

In this method, steps 2001, 2003-2005, 2007-2010 are performed insubstantially the same manner as in the method shown in FIG. 20.

In step 2102, the portable electronic device 13 receives the informationbroadcast by the first RF beacon, second RF beacon and third RF beacon,such as the application identifier 113 and each beacon ID 185. Incontrast to the method shown in FIG. 20, the RF beacon does notbroadcast and the portable electronic device need not receive a url forthe scheduling server.

In step 2106 a, upon launching the scheduling application 20, thescheduling application pairs the portable electronic device to thenearest RF beacon using RF communication protocols such as Bluetoothcommunication protocols. The scheduling application may determine thenearest RF beacon based on signal strength of the received broadcast orby looking up the nearest RF beacon to its location from a storeddirectory.

In step 2106 b, the scheduling application may communicate the user IDassociated with the scheduling application to the paired RF beacon whichin turn may communicate to the scheduling server thereby allowing thescheduling server to determine the identity and location of the user.The RF beacon and the scheduling server may communicate via a LAN orPAN.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing steps for performing a method ofaccessing a conference room schedule, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention. In step 2201, a user positions the portableelectronic device 13 such that the NFC interface is in communicationrange with the NFC tag 11. The user may tap a surface of the phone nearthe NFC tag 11 or position the NFC interface of the portable electronicdevice 13 to within a range of approximately two to four centimeters ofthe NFC tag 11.

In step 2202, the portable electronic device 13 reads the informationencoded on the NFC tag 11, such as the application identifier 113, andurl of the scheduling server 15, over an NFC communication channel 111.Upon placing the portable electronic device 13 within NFC communicationrange of the NFC tag 11, the NFC interface of the portable electronicdevice 13 creates an electromagnetic field, thereby energizing the NFCtag 11. The NFC tag 11 is configured for manipulating the generatedelectromagnetic field according to the encoded information via loadmodulation. The NFC interface of the portable electronic device 13 readsthe encoded information from the modulated electromagnetic field.

In embodiments of the invention in which the NFC tag 11 encodesinformation in addition to the application identifier 113 and the serverURL the NFC interface reads this information from the NFC tag 11, aswell.

In step 2203, the smart phone loads the scheduling application 20according to the application identifier 113. The application identifier113 read from the NFC tag 11, instructs the portable electronic device13 which scheduling application 20 to launch.

In step 2204, upon launching the scheduling application 20, thescheduling application 20 is configured for establishing communicationwith the scheduling server 15 according to the URL encoded on the NFCtag 11. The scheduling application may communicate the user IDassociated with the scheduling application to the scheduling serverthereby allowing the scheduling server to determine the identity andlocation of the user.

In step 2205, the scheduling application checks the access of the userID associated with the scheduling application. The schedulingapplication may check against a database to determine whether the usermay view the schedule of that area, book meetings on the schedule of thearea and with what preset resources and the role of the user ID in anymeetings scheduled for the area.

If the user ID associated with the scheduling application does not haveaccess to view the schedule of the area, in step 2206, the schedulingapplication 20 displays an error page.

If the user ID associated with the scheduling application does havepermission to view the schedule of the area but not to manage it, instep 2207, the scheduling application 20 displays the schedule of thearea without selectable time periods allowing to schedule a meeting. Forexample, the schedule may be a view only schedule or may allow the userto select meetings to view information about the meetings. The user willnot, however, be presented with selectable time periods.

If the user ID associated with the scheduling application does havepermission to view the schedule of the area and permission to manage it,in step 2208, the scheduling application 20 displays the schedule of thearea with selectable time periods allowing to schedule a meeting.

In step 2209, the scheduling application 20 receives one or more inputsselecting a meeting from the schedule. From the calendar page of thescheduling application 20, a user may select one of the selectable timeperiods with a meeting status indicator.

If the user ID is not an organizer of the meeting, as determined by theaccess of the user ID, in step 2210, the scheduling application 20displays a pop-up menu with meeting information such as in FIG. 8. Theuser may view information about the meeting comprising the organizer,the subject, the start and end time, the date and the attendees.

If the user ID is an organizer of the meeting, as determined by theaccess of the user ID, in step 2211, the scheduling application 20displays a pop-up menu with meeting information and selectable icons forstarting a meeting and ending a meeting such as in FIG. 9.

As will be discussed in reference to step 2216, if the meeting comprisesthe preset resource of a presentation or lecture capture device, thescheduling application 20 displays a pop menu further comprisingselectable icons to start recording, pause recording, and stoprecording.

In step 2212, the scheduling application receives a selection to startthe meeting. For example, a user may select a “start meeting” icon ofthe pop-up menu page.

In step 2213, the scheduling application transmits one or more controlsignals in response to receiving a selection of the “start meeting”icon.

In step 2214, the scheduling application receives a selection to stopthe meeting. For example, a user may select a “stop meeting” icon of thepop-up menu page.

In step 2215, the scheduling application transmits one or more controlsignals in response to receiving a selection of the “stop meeting” icon.

In step 2216, if the meeting comprises the preset resource of apresentation or lecture capture device, the scheduling application 20displays a pop menu further comprising selectable icons to startrecording, pause recording, and stop recording.

In step 2217, the scheduling application receives a selection to startthe meeting. For example, a user may select a “start recording” icon ofthe pop-up menu page.

In step 2218, the scheduling application transmits one or more controlsignals in response to receiving a selection of the “start recording”icon.

In step 2219, the scheduling application receives a selection to stopthe meeting. For example, a user may select a “stop recording” icon ofthe pop-up menu page.

In step 2220, the scheduling application transmits one or more controlsignals in response to receiving a selection of the stop “recording”icon.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing steps for performing a method ofaccessing a conference room schedule, in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention. In step 2301, a user positions the portableelectronic device 13 such that the PAN interface is in communicationrange with a first RF beacon, a second RF beacon and a third RF beacon.The user may position the portable electronic device by simply walkingwithin while carrying the portable electronic device.

In step 2302, the portable electronic device 13 receives the informationbroadcast by the first RF beacon, second RF beacon and third RF beacon,such as the application identifier 113 and each beacon ID 185.

In step 2303, the portable electronic device loads the schedulingapplication 20 according to the application identifier 113. Theapplication identifier 113 received from the RF beacons 18, instructsthe portable electronic device 13 which scheduling application 20 tolaunch.

In step 2304, the scheduling application estimates a distance to atleast three RF beacons. By utilizing the received signal strength ofeach beacon, the scheduling application may determine its distance fromeach RF beacon. In an embodiment of the invention, the PAN interface ofthe portable electronic device measures the RSSI of each receivedbroadcast and utilizes a lookup table listing distance to beacon by RSSIto determine a distance to the RF beacon.

In this embodiment, the portable electronic device continues listeninguntil receiving a transmission from three RF beacons 18. In embodimentsin which more than three beacons 18 are in range, the schedulingapplication may use the three strongest received signals. Additionally,the scheduling application may use the identity and signal strength ofadditional RF beacons 18 as an error check or redundancy. The schedulingapplication repeats steps 2004 for each of the RF beacons 18 therebyestimating a range to at least three RF beacons 18.

In step 2305, the scheduling application determines its locationaccording to the location information received from the RF beacons 18via trilateration. The position of each RF beacon is known as well as anestimated distance to at least three RF beacons 18, the schedulingapplication may determine its location by coordinates. By determiningthe intersection point of the three ranges to three RF beacons 18, thescheduling application may determine the location of the portableelectronic device.

The scheduling application maps to a floor plan of the facility todetermine a location by room. By mapping the location to a floor plan,the scheduling application may know which room the portable electronicdevice, and therefore the user, is located.

In step 2306, upon launching the scheduling application 20, thescheduling application 20 is configured for establishing communicationwith the scheduling server 15 according to the URL received from the RFbeacon. The scheduling application may communicate the user IDassociated with the scheduling application to the scheduling serverthereby allowing the scheduling server to determine the identity andlocation of the user.

In step 2307, the scheduling application checks the access of the userID associated with the scheduling application. The schedulingapplication may check against a database to determine whether the usermay view the schedule of that area, book meetings on the schedule of thearea and with what preset resources and the role of the user ID in anymeetings scheduled for the area.

If the user ID associated with the scheduling application does not haveaccess to view the schedule of the area, in step 2308, the schedulingapplication 20 displays an error page.

If the user ID associated with the scheduling application does havepermission to view the schedule of the area but not to manage it, instep 2309, the scheduling application 20 displays the schedule of thearea without selectable time periods allowing to schedule a meeting. Forexample, the schedule may be a view only schedule or may allow the userto select meetings to view information about the meetings. The user willnot, however, be presented with selectable time periods.

If the user ID associated with the scheduling application does havepermission to view the schedule of the area and permission to manage it,in step 2310, the scheduling application 20 displays the schedule of thearea with selectable time periods allowing to schedule a meeting.

In step 2311, the scheduling application 20 receives one or more inputsselecting a meeting from the schedule. From the calendar page of thescheduling application 20, a user may select one of the selectable timeperiods with a meeting status indicator.

If the user ID is not an organizer of the meeting, as determined by theaccess of the user ID, in step 2312, the scheduling application 20displays a pop-up menu with meeting information such as in FIG. 8. Theuser may view information about the meeting comprising the organizer,the subject, the start and end time, the date and the attendees.

If the user ID is an organizer of the meeting, as determined by theaccess of the user ID, in step 2313, the scheduling application 20displays a pop-up menu with meeting information and selectable icons forstarting a meeting and ending a meeting such as in FIG. 9.

As will be discussed in reference to step 2318, if the meeting comprisesthe preset resource of a presentation or lecture capture device, thescheduling application 20 displays a pop menu further comprisingselectable icons to start recording, pause recording, and stoprecording.

In step 2314, the scheduling application receives a selection to startthe meeting. For example, a user may select a “start meeting” icon ofthe pop-up menu page.

In step 2315, the scheduling application transmits one or more controlsignals in response to receiving a selection of the “start meeting”icon.

In step 2316, the scheduling application receives a selection to stopthe meeting. For example, a user may select a “stop meeting” icon of thepop-up menu page.

In step 2317, the scheduling application transmits one or more controlsignals in response to receiving a selection of the “stop meeting” icon.

In step 2318, if the meeting comprises the preset resource of apresentation or lecture capture device, the scheduling application 20displays a pop menu further comprising selectable icons to startrecording, pause recording, and stop recording.

In step 2319, the scheduling application receives a selection to startthe meeting. For example, a user may select a “start recording” icon ofthe pop-up menu page.

In step 2320, the scheduling application transmits one or more controlsignals in response to receiving a selection of the “start recording”icon.

In step 2321, the scheduling application receives a selection to stopthe meeting. For example, a user may select a “stop recording” icon ofthe pop-up menu page.

In step 2322, the scheduling application transmits one or more controlsignals in response to receiving a selection of the stop “recording”icon.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention is a uniquesystem in which a portable electronic device 13 communicates with one ormore RF beacons 18 and a scheduling server 15 for maintaining,initiating and scheduling a schedule of a conference room.

LIST OF ACRONYMS USED IN THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following is a list of the acronyms used in the specification inalphabetical order.

-   -   ASIC application specific integrated circuit    -   AV audio visual    -   CPU central processing unit    -   GUI graphical user interface    -   LAN local area network    -   IP internet protocol    -   IR infrared    -   NFC near field communication    -   PAN personal area network    -   PSTN public switched telephone network    -   RF radio frequency    -   RFID radio frequency identification    -   RISC reduced instruction set    -   WAN wide area network

Alternate Embodiments

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the invention. For example, the NFC tag 11 may encode auniform resource locator (URL) address directing the portable electronicdevice to a location for downloading the scheduling application 20.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for accessing a schedule of a location:(a) one or more RF beacons configured for periodically broadcasting anapplication identifier and a beacon ID; and (b) a portable electronicdevice identified by a user ID and comprising a first network interfaceconfigured for enabling communication between the portable electronicdevice and the one or more RF beacons, a second network interfaceconfigured for enabling communication between the portable electronicdevice and a scheduling server, a display, a memory encoding one or moreprocessor-executable instructions and a processor configured to load theone or more processor-executable instructions when encoded from thememory wherein the one or more processor-executable instructions, whenexecuted by the processor, cause acts to be performed comprising (i)receiving from at least one of the one or more RF beacons a beacon IDand the application identifier via the first network interface of theportable electronic device, (ii) opening a scheduling applicationassociated with the application identifier, (iii) estimating a distanceto the at least one of the one or more RF beacons according to adetected signal strength of the RF beacon broadcast, (iv) determining alocation of the portable electronic device based on the distance to theat least one of the one or more RF beacons, (v) receiving from ascheduling server, a schedule of the location of the portable electronicdevice, and (vi) displaying the schedule of the location on the display.2. The system of claim 1 wherein the schedule is displayed as one ormore selectable time periods and wherein each of the time periodscomprises a status indicator.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the oneor more processor-executable instructions when executed by the processorcause acts to be performed further comprising determining an accesslevel of the user ID.
 4. The system of claim 2 wherein the one or moreprocessor-executable instructions when executed by the processor causeacts to be performed further comprising: (a) accepting informationdetailing a meeting; (b) receiving preset information of the meetingincluding a start time and an end time; and (c) communicating with thescheduling server to update the schedule of the location.
 5. The systemof claim 3 wherein the one or more processor-executable instructionswhen executed by the processor cause acts to be performed furthercomprising: (a) communicating the user ID of the portable electronicdevice to the scheduling server.
 6. The system of claim 4 wherein theone or more processor-executable instructions when executed by theprocessor cause acts to be performed further comprising: (a) acceptinginformation defining a meeting type, the meeting type being associatedwith preset resources.
 7. The system of claim 6 wherein the one or moreprocessor-executable instructions when executed by the processor causeacts to be performed further comprising: (a) accepting informationdefining one or more settings for the preset resource.
 8. The system ofclaim 6 wherein the one or more processor-executable instructions whenexecuted by the processor cause acts to be performed further comprising:(a) sending at least one command to control the preset resource inresponse to the start time and the end time.
 9. The system of claim 6wherein the one or more processor-executable instructions when executedby the processor cause acts to be performed further comprising: (a)receiving an input selecting one or more of the selectable time periods;(b) displaying a menu comprising one or more selectable operationalicons; (c) receiving an input selecting one of the one or moreselectable operational icons; and (d) sending at least one command tocontrol a preset resource in response to receiving the input selectingone of the one or more selectable operational icons.
 10. The system ofclaim 9 wherein the one or more operational icons comprise a startmeeting icon and a stop meeting icon.
 11. The system of claim 9 whereinthe one or more operational icons comprises a start recording icon and astop recording icon and the preset resource is a presentation capturedevice.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more RFbeacons is configured for periodically transmitting the beacon ID andthe application identifier according to Bluetooth 4.0 low energyprotocols.
 13. A system for accessing a schedule of a location: (a)three or more RF beacons each configured for periodically broadcastingan application identifier, a beacon ID and a scheduling server ID; and(b) a portable electronic device identified by a user ID and comprisinga first network interface configured for enabling communication betweenthe portable electronic device and the one or more RF beacons, a secondnetwork interface configured for enabling communication between theportable electronic device and a scheduling server, a display, a memoryencoding one or more processor-executable instructions and a processorconfigured to load the one or more processor-executable instructionswhen encoded from the memory wherein the one or moreprocessor-executable instructions, when executed by the processor, causeacts to be performed comprising (i) receiving from at least three of thethree or more RF beacons, the beacon ID of each of the at least three RFbeacons and the application identifier via the first network interfaceof the portable electronic device, (ii) opening a scheduling applicationassociated with the application identifier, (iii) estimating a firstdistance, a second distance and a third distance to three of the threeor more RF beacons according to a detected signal strength of the RFbeacon, (iv) determining a location of the portable electronic devicebased on the first distance, second distance and third distance viatrilateration, (v) receiving from a scheduling server a schedule of thelocation associated with the location of the portable electronic device,(vi) displaying the schedule on the display as one or more selectabletime periods and wherein each of the time periods comprises a statusindicator, (vii) receiving an input selecting one or more of theselectable time periods, (viii) displaying a menu comprising one or moreselectable operational icons, (ix) receiving an input selecting one ofthe one or more selectable operational icons, and (x) sending at leastone command to control a preset resource in response to receiving theinput selecting one of the one or more selectable operational icons. 14.A method for managing a schedule of a location comprising the steps of:(a) providing one or more RF beacons, each of the one or more RF beaconsconfigured for periodically broadcasting an application identifier and abeacon ID; (b) receiving at a portable electronic device from each ofone or more RF beacons a beacon ID and an application identifier via afirst network interface of the portable electronic device; (c) opening ascheduling application associated with the application identifier on theportable electronic device; (d) estimating a distance to the at leastone of the one or more RF beacons according to a detected signalstrength of the RF beacon; (e) determining a location of the portableelectronic device based on the distance to the at least one of the oneor more RF beacons; (f) establishing communication with a schedulingserver storing the schedule of the location; (g) transmitting thelocation and a user ID of the portable electronic device to thescheduling server; (h) receiving from a scheduling server the scheduleof the location; and (i) displaying on the display the schedule of thelocation.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step ofdetermining whether a user of the portable electronic device may accessthe schedule of the location according to the user ID.
 16. The method ofclaim 14 wherein the schedule comprises one or more selectable timeperiods further comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a user inputselecting one or more time periods; and (b) displaying informationassociated with meeting type if the location is reserved during theselected time periods.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising thesteps of: (a) displaying a start meeting icon as a selectable icon; (b)receiving a user input selecting the start meeting icon; and (c) sendingat least one command to control a preset resource in response to theselection of the start meeting icon.
 18. The method of claim 17 whereinthe meeting type is a video call and the at least one command comprisesa command to control a video source.
 19. The method of claim 16 furthercomprising the steps of: (a) displaying a start recording icon as aselectable icon; (b) receiving a user input selecting the startrecording icon; and (c) sending at least one command to control apresentation capture device in response to the selection of the startrecording icon.
 20. The method of claim 14 further comprising the stepsof: (a) displaying a reservation content page if the location is vacant;and (b) accepting information defining a start time and an end time of ameeting.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step ofupdating the schedule by communicating the start time and the end timeto a scheduling server.
 22. The method of claim 21 further comprisingthe step of associating the user ID of the portable electronic devicewith the meeting.
 23. The method of claim 22 further comprising the stepof accepting information defining a meeting type, the meeting type beingassociated with a preset resource.
 24. The method of claim 23 furthercomprising the step of sending at least one command to control thepreset resource in response to the start time and the end time.
 25. Themethod of the claim 22 further comprising the step of acceptinginformation defining one or more settings of the preset resource. 26.The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of sending at leastone command to control the preset resource in response to the one ormore settings.
 27. The method of claim 26 further comprising the step ofaccepting information defining shared documentation comprising a filelocation.
 28. The method of claim 27 further comprising the step ofsending at least one command to display the shared documentation inresponse to the start time and the end time.